Steven Spielberg has said he doesn't like the use of cut scenes in video games. This interested me, because I love cut scenes in pbp games, both as a player and a DM. Cut scenes can:
1. Introduce major antagonists if the characters aren't likely to meet them right away.
2. Provide exposition that's more entertaining than typical boxed text.
3. Give players a sense of progress mid-game by showing the consequences of their character's actions elsewhere.
Now I wonder: are such things necessary or even desirable in a role-playing game? Or, are they just self-indulgent amateur fiction writing exercises imposed by the DM on his players?
What are your thoughts?